Rules and Regulations

All players must fill out the Participant Waiver - Once filled out please save it and email it to [email protected].

All players/team officials must adhere to the rules and regulations of the tournament, or they will not be eligible for entry or participation.

1. All players/team officials must adhere to the rules and regulations of the tournament, or they will not be eligible for entry or participation.
2. This tournament is a non-sanctioned men's full-contact and ladies non-contact event.
3. All Hockey Canada Rules apply.
4. Teams must include two First Nations, two Métis and two non-Indigenous players from any community. Proof of Métis Citizenship or Treaty Status is required and must be shown to the Tournament Committee. Prior to the tournament, verification needs to be approved. No proof will result in players not being allowed to play in the tournament.
5. Indigenous players can play for any team; however, they cannot be registered as both a First Nations and a Métis Citizen.
6. Teams are limited to three current/ex-NHL players, three active CHL players and three active Usport/NCAA players.
7. The first roster is the final roster. In the event of a dispute where a player is listed on two rosters, that player must play for the team for which they played their first game.
8. Players must play on Friday or Saturday to play in the finals.
9. Eligible Players: A team shall be composed of no more than 22 players (20 skaters and two goalies).
10. The top team of the draw bracket will be the home team. Home team wears dark jerseys.
11. Any intoxicated players will not be allowed to play. The onus is on the team to sit out that player.
12. All players must wear visors. Under 18 must wear neck guards and a full cage.
13. Abuse (verbal or otherwise) of officials will not be tolerated. Players are expected to conduct their behaviour in a sportsmanlike manner. Any issues of abuse or harassment will be dealt with by the Tournament Committee.
14. One 30-second timeout per game per team.
15. Seven goal mercy rule is in effect. After the seventh goal, the game will be called.
16. If a game results in a tie at end of regulation, it will result in a five-minute stop time three-on-three OT. If still tied after OT, we go to a three-player shootout. If the game is still tied, teams will select one different shooter until the game is decided. Teams must go through the entire bench before players can shoot again.
17. Minor penalties will be three minutes during straight time. Two minutes during stop time.
18. Fighting will result in a five-minute major penalty plus a game misconduct. Any player may serve the penalty. If the fight is within the last 10 minutes of the game the penalized player will also be suspended for the next game. A player’s second fight will result in the player being ejected from the Tournament. The ref’s call in this situation cannot be protested. Multiple fight rule applies.
19. Intent to injure, at the ref’s discretion, will result in an automatic ejection from Tournament. No exceptions. The ref’s call in this situation cannot be protested.
20. All games will consist of two 25-minute periods. The last three minutes of the second period will be stop time if there is a three-goal difference or less.
21. The final game will be two 25-minute periods. The Seven Goal Mercy Rule will be in effect.
22. The tournament is modified with a one-game final (B-side winner does not have to win twice).
23. Due to time constraints, all teams are expected to be ready to start as per schedule.
24. Five skaters and one goalie are required to start a game or six players and no goalie. No exceptions.
25. A goal will be awarded every five minutes an opposing team does not show up on ice, and the game will be called after first period.
26. Clock will start on schedule (except for unforeseen events or when games get bumped up).
27. The referee’s decision is final. Referee’s call cannot be protested.
28. All protests must be submitted in writing and accompanied by $1000.00 (cash only) before the end of the first period of the game. Win or lose, non-refundable.
29. The Protest Committee will be comprised of the Head Referee, one Tournament Committee member, and three other individuals assigned by the Tournament Committee.
30. The Tournament Committee, Métis Nation–Saskatchewan and Warman Home Centre Communiplex, are not responsible for thefts, vandalism, accidents, or injuries to players or their belongings.
31. Coincidental penalties will result in a four-on-four.
32. Teams MUST have two sets of jerseys. 

These rules have been adapted from the PAGC Tournament Rules. All rules are subject to change at the discretion of the Tournament Committee.

Team Registration Fees Update

The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan is excited to share an important update for all teams participating, or planning to participate, in the 2026 Louis Riel Cup Hockey Tournament! 

❗ No More Team Entry Fee

This year, we are no longer charging a team entry fee for the tournament! Teams that have already registered for the 2026 tournament will receive a full reimbursement (someone will reach out to you).

❗ Refundable Deposit

To secure your team’s spot in the tournament, a $500 refundable deposit is now required. This deposit will be returned in full when your team steps on the ice for your first game!

Mini-Stick Tournament Rules 

1. All players must wear helmets and hand protection. 
2. All players must wear close-toed running shoes. 
3. All players must turn in a waiver release form signed by their legal guardian upon check in at the tournament prior to the start of play.  
4. 3 players from each team will be on the playing field; 2 players and 1 goalie, teams may “pull their goalie” and use 3 players and no goalie format. 
5. Minor penalties will result in a penalty shot. If one player should get three or more penalties in a game, it will result in a one-minute power-play for the other team/penalty exceeding the two maximum penalties. 
6. A team chaperone must be present at all times. Failure to fulfill this commitment will result in disqualification. 
7. Games will consist of two 5-minute periods with a 3-minute intermission between periods. Round robin games will end in a tie if that should be the case. 
8. In playoff games, a tie will be settled with a best of three shootout, if the game is still not resolved, it will move into a single elimination shootout.  
9. Disrespect or abuse towards officials will not be tolerated. Any such behavior will be considered by the tournament committee and may result in disqualification. 
10. Fighting will result in tournament disqualification. 
11. Intent to injure will result in tournament disqualification. 
12. Teams are expected to be on time for the games. Games will start at the set time regardless of if all players are present or not. (Except for unforeseen circumstances or if/when games get bumped up) 
13. 7-goal mercy rule is in effect for round robin games. 
14. The Tournament Committee, Métis Nation–Saskatchewan and Warman Home Centre Communiplex, are not responsible for thefts, vandalism, accidents, or injuries to players or their belongings.  
15. Teams must register at the registration desk before their first game.  
     
    *All rules are subject to change at the discretion of the Tournament Committee.